Netflix's A Series Of Unfortunate Events: First look at Neil Patrick Harris as Count Olaf

Neil Patrick Harris stars in an adaptation of the darkly humorous children's books

Neil Patrick Harris has been spotted on set as Count Olaf in Netflix's A Series Of Unfortunate EventsDimitrios Kambouris/Getty

Considering Netflix announced that it was developing a new TV series based on the Lemony Snicket's A Series Of Unfortunate Events novels way back in 2014, details of the eagerly-anticipated show have been kept firmly under wraps. Now however, Neil Patrick Harris, who is set to play the lead villain, has been spotted on set by some eagle-eyed photographers, offering up the first look at his take on Count Olaf.

In the images, Harris can be seen sporting Olaf's signature slicked-back hair as well as his Wolverine-like sideburns and pointy goatee. His stern appearance is also emphasised by a turned-up unibrow and prosthetic nose. As for his clothes, it all looks relatively expected, what with the rolled-up drainpipe black trousers and shabby cream long-sleeved top. One image shows Harris donning a fedora hat, velvet-looking snakeskin overcoat and patterned scarf, hinting that perhaps his version of the character will be a little more flamboyant than Jim Carrey's in the 2004 adaptation.

Like the Daniel Handler-penned books (written under the Snicket pseudonym), the drama is to follow orphaned siblings Violet, Klaus, and Sunny Baudelaire after they are sent to live with "distant relative" Olaf, who has his eye on the fortune left to the children by their parents.

The books are well known for their dark sense of humour despite being primarily aimed at children. Thanks to their unique style, they became popular with adults too, and Netflix envisions the new TV series as having a similarly all-ages appeal, making it something the whole family could watch together – so long as the whole family is in the mood for something a little on the dark and twisted side.

Alongside Harris, Patrick Warburton (Ted) has been cast as Snicket, while Supergirl's Malina Weissman and newcomer Louis Hynes will portray the older Baudelaire children. Jericho actor Aasif Mandvi is also on board to play Uncle Monty, the role originally brought to life by Billy Connolly .

Created by True Blood writer Mark Hudis, the upcoming series is set to consist of 13 episodes, one for each of the books in the series, presumably. While no official date has been set, the show will reportedly land on the streaming service sometime this year.